Marc R Toglia1, Thomas E Nolan. 1. Division of Gynecology, Riddle Memorial Hospital, Suite 3404, Outpatient Pavilion, 1098 West Baltimore Pike, Media, PA 19073, USA. m.toglia@worldnet.att.net
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to report perioperative morbidity and mortality rates in elderly women who undergo gynecologic surgery. STUDY DESIGN: The charts of 54 consecutive women ages 70 to 85 years who underwent major gynecologic surgery between June 1998 and November 2002 were reviewed retrospectively. RESULTS: The mean age was 76.7 years. Fifty procedures (92.6%) were performed for pelvic organ prolapse and/or urinary incontinence. Forty-nine of the procedures were performed vaginally, and 27 of the procedures (50%) were performed with the use of general anesthesia. Postoperative cardiac complications occurred in five patients (10%), including three myocardial infarctions, two of which were fatal. Other complications included benign cardiac arrhythmias in two patients, slow return of gastrointestinal function in five patients (9.3%), and transient mental status changes in four patients (7.4%). The mean length of stay was 4 days. CONCLUSION: Postoperative complications occurred infrequently among elderly women who underwent gynecologic surgery. Although age alone is not a contraindication to elective surgery, there may be increased risks for geriatric women.
OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to report perioperative morbidity and mortality rates in elderly women who undergo gynecologic surgery. STUDY DESIGN: The charts of 54 consecutive women ages 70 to 85 years who underwent major gynecologic surgery between June 1998 and November 2002 were reviewed retrospectively. RESULTS: The mean age was 76.7 years. Fifty procedures (92.6%) were performed for pelvic organ prolapse and/or urinary incontinence. Forty-nine of the procedures were performed vaginally, and 27 of the procedures (50%) were performed with the use of general anesthesia. Postoperative cardiac complications occurred in five patients (10%), including three myocardial infarctions, two of which were fatal. Other complications included benign cardiac arrhythmias in two patients, slow return of gastrointestinal function in five patients (9.3%), and transient mental status changes in four patients (7.4%). The mean length of stay was 4 days. CONCLUSION: Postoperative complications occurred infrequently among elderly women who underwent gynecologic surgery. Although age alone is not a contraindication to elective surgery, there may be increased risks for geriatric women.
Authors: Elisabeth A Erekson; Terri R Fried; Deanna K Martin; Thomas J Rutherford; Kris Strohbehn; Julie P W Bynum Journal: Int Urogynecol J Date: 2014-12-17 Impact factor: 2.894